LISBON — Two Cleveland men, one with a lengthy criminal history related to drug trafficking, were arrested by the highway patrol on Tuesday for felony offenses including having a loaded firearm inside the vehicle.

Trooper Steven Tucci said the vehicle was originally stopped at 2:27 p.m. on East Liverpool Road near Calcutta for making an improper turn, and backup was called after he observed what he only described as “criminal indicators.”

East Liverpool police assisted at the scene with its K-9 unit, which alerted to the vehicle and troopers found a small marijuana cigarette and a Highpoint .9 millimeter semi-automatic in the glove compartment.

Tucci said the gun had a loaded magazine.

He also said the men did not try to flee from authorities, although neither claimed ownership of the gun, and were unable to provide information about who it belonged to.

The driver, Branden Lewis, 25, Cleveland, was charged with possession of marijuana and improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle, a fourth-degree felony. He was also cited for improper turn.

The front seat passenger, Dontez Elam, 30, Cleveland, was charged with possession of marijuana and having weapons while under disability, a third-degree felony.

Tucci said both were charged with weapons offenses since ownership of the gun could not be confirmed.

He also said Elam has a lengthy criminal history out of Cleveland that includes prior felony convictions of trafficking in drugs and possession of drugs.

Both men were taken to the county jail.

The county sheriff’s office also assisted at the scene.

kwhite@mojonews.com